Tributes Pour in for Tony Scott

Critics and coworkers remember a director of "grand action."

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Director Tony Scott, known for such Hollywood blockbusters as "Top Gun," ''Days of Thunder" and "Beverly Hills Cop II," has died after jumping from a Los Angeles County Bridge.

The social media universe exploded with outpourings of shock, grief and remembrances of “Top Gun” director Tony Scott, who jumped to his death from a Los Angeles bridge in an apparent suicide, Sunday.

Scott, who was born in London and was the brother of director Ridley Scott, lived in Beverly Hills and was a fixture in the American and British entertainment communities. Known for his hyper-kinetic action movies and fast-paced editing, Scott also directed “Days of Thunder,” “Beverly Hills Cop II,” "Crimson Tide," "True Romance" and more recently, “Unstoppable” with Denzel Washington in 2010.

In Memoriam

"He was a creative visionary whose mark on film is immeasurable," said "Top Gun" star Tom Cruise in a statement. "My deepest sorrow and thoughts are with his family at this time."

“Tony was one of the most extraordinary, imaginative men I ever worked with,” said actress Keira Knightley according to The Telegraph. Knightley, who worked with Scott on his 2005 film “Domino," added, “He was a fire cracker and one of the world’s true originals.”

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People in the United Kingdom awoke Monday to the news of Scott’s death. British film director Duncan Jones (“Moon,” “Source Code”) was among those who took to social media platforms to express their feelings: “Tony was a truly lovely man who took me under his wing and ignited my passion to make films. What a sad waste. My thoughts go out to his beautiful wife and children.” Scott was married to his third wife, actress Donna Scott, with whom he had twin sons in 2000.

Scott initially made a name for himself as a star commercial director. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer was so impressed by his commercial work that he invited Scott to direct what would become an international blockbuster — 1986's “Top Gun.”

"I'm more classical and he's rock'n'roll," Ridley Scott once remarked of his younger brother, according to The Guardian.

Film critic Roger Ebert published a lengthy Scott memorial on his website Monday morning. “While his brother Ridley won higher praise and more awards for such films as "Alien," "Gladiator," "Blade Runner," "Black Hawk Down" an "Thelma and Louise," Tony focused on red-blooded films of adventure, often using Hollywood's top leading men: Tom Cruise, Eddie Murphy, Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman and Bruce Willis,” Ebert wrote adding that, “He was never nominated for an Academy Award, but won untold riches at the box office and had the respect of his peers, who knew how challenging his projects were, and what skill they required.”

"RIP Tony,” said “Top Gun” star Val Kilmer via Twitter. “ You were the kindest film director I ever worked for. You will be missed.”

“So sad to hear about Tony Scott. A master of grand action, nail biting pace and atmosphere. A real loss to film making.” British actor Simon Pegg tweeted.

Actor Adam Goldberg, who starred opposite Denzel Washington in Scott's 2006 film “Déjà vu” wrote on his blog: "Tony Scott was one of the, if not the, warmest and most generous directors for whom I've ever worked. I was constantly astounded by his ability to balance the massive weight of his movies with unsparing respect and love for his actors and crew all the way down the line.”

"No more Tony Scott movies. Tragic day," tweeted director Ron Howard.

Perhaps one of the most poignant tributes was paid by an entertainer who had never actually worked directly with Scott. Justin Timberlake, whose fiance Jessica Biel starred in Scott's 2010 film, “The A-Team” wrote: "So sad to hear the news about Tony Scott. His movies made growing up more fun for me.”